Four renowned experts gave specialist presentations on the importance of wild plants for our ecosystems. In the afternoon, participants explored the topic in greater depth in three working groups. They developed optimized strategies for using regional seed to strengthen species-rich habitats as well as proposals to improve the “species filter”.

The species filter is a regulatory framework that defines which plant species may be included in specific seed mixtures. Its goal is to promote regional biodiversity by ensuring that only species well adapted to local conditions are used. However, it became clear during the symposium that misunderstandings in its application are hindering habitat restoration efforts. This makes a revision of the species filter necessary. Participants developed a wide range of solutions, from immediately implementable communication improvements to detailed proposals for how sowing practices can contribute to habitat restoration.

The focused and productive collaboration among the various stakeholder groups resulted in innovative and practical approaches. Based on these findings, a publication is being prepared to make the results and recommendations accessible to a broader audience.

More information on the species filter (in German) is available here: https://regionalisierte-pflanzenproduktion.de/